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A mime vying for attention finds himself in a chase towards love after a missed connection with a young woman who might be the one.

I'm sitting cross-legged on the floor

I'm sitting cross-legged on the floor

listening to one direction, partially because liam payne is dead and 
partially because what brings me joy so often stems from nostalgia
and i’m scribbling in this journal in pink, loopy cursive
(i’ll call it a diary for all intents and purposes of this poem)
as if i were still twelve

my diary is starting to split at the seams
whether it’s from the scraps of paper-
a good day’s receipts and wrappers pasted inside
and stuck with stickers- or a bad day’s rambling rants and rages
i don’t know which (maybe both)

and now i am realizing that my hand will probably be red
not only from writing so ferociously but also because i am
dragging my hand across the red pastel i just used
to mark the page with hearts and flowers

i did the same when i was ten, with my diary from justice
with its monkeys and polka dots and heart shaped lock
which i bought with my tooth fairy savings
i kept the key in my dresser drawer like every other girl my age

the content of those pages aren’t so dissimilar from my diary now
strawberry shortcake stickers, notes from boys, polaroid pictures
pouring over all the little details and every little (not so little) feeling
i must have 20 diaries by now

i texted my cousin the other day, sitting on the edge of the bed
remembering the glittering, fruity haze of club libby lu where 
we celebrated shared birthdays- five, six, seven 
i wish there were more pictures

Interview with Caren Beilin

Interview with Caren Beilin

On a Tuesday afternoon in March, I had the opportunity to talk with published author and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts professor Caren Beilin. Caren is a Columbia College Chicago allum, completing her undergrad as a creative writing major in 2005. Throughout the 2010s she has published multiple books favoring the autofiction genre. Her most recent novel, Revenge of The Scapegoat is the story of 30-something year-old Iris, who finds herself taking a job as a cowherd after receiving some devastating letters from her past. I talked to Caren about
how this book came to be, her creative process, and not wanting to be a “good” writer.

Interview with Caren Beilin
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Interview with Caren Beilin

March 19th, 2024 | by Olivia Haas
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In The Loop Choice Writings

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: SWEAT TOUR 2024

Get the deets on the concert of the summer! Olivia covers Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s SWEAT Tour at the United Center in Chicago.

Sweat Tour Article
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In Case You Missed It: Sweat Tour 2024

by Olivia Haas | September 30th, 2024

September 30th, 2024 was Chicago's turn to experience Charli XCX and Troye Sivan's highly anticipated joint tour! The two played a sold out show at United Center, featuring an opening set by Shygirl. SWEAT tour kicked off in Detroit on September 14th, and has since not left our social media timelines. The night was full of dancing, screaming, and of course… sweating.

With a lengthy set of 32 songs total, it was a night we're sure to remember, or at the very least, feel in our legs the next morning. Between Troye Sivan's incredible dance moves, Charli's scream-worthy hits, and everyone's (attendees included) impeccable outfits, there was never a dull moment.

Shygirl opened the night with her upbeat songs and DJ set, setting the tone for the rest of the evening, and coming back to join Charli on stage for a special remix of 365 (rumored to be included on Charli's upcoming Brat remix album, to be released October 11th). After Shygirl got the crowd moving, Troye Sivan and his backup dancers stormed the stage.

One of the most interesting things about the night was the exchange between Charli's set and Troye's set every three songs or so. The two briefly flirted on stage before passing off the mic. Some of Troye's highlights include the performance of "One Of Your Girls" fitted with a live lap dance, just like the music video. Plus, his live rendition of "Messy" with a full queen bed on stage! Altogether, Troye and his dancers left the crowd screaming, panting and begging for more.

However, It-Girl of The Moment, Charli XCX delivered just as well. Despite being alone on the big stage, her presence reached the nosebleeds. Everytime she stepped on to reclaim the stage, the crowd transformed into a sweaty dance club that could not stop moving. Charli rocked our worlds with "Vroom Vroom," songs off her hit new album Brat, and her iconic feature on Icona Pop's "I Don't Care."

All in all, the cityscape set design and amazing camera angles blew the entire United Center away. The crowdwork was incredible and the songs were even better. The night concluded with Charli and Troye coming together to perform their remix of Charli's "Talk Talk." All we can say is, Brat Summer may be over, but Charli XCX and Troye Sivan are just beginning.

Bottoms Review

Olivia reviews the campy, queer, off-the-rails comedy about a girls’ fight club, written and directed by Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott.

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Bottoms Review

by Olivia Haas | August 2023

The perfect way to end the summer and transition into a new school year is with a Back-To-School movie. Bottoms directed by Emma Seligman and starring Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, is a knock-out of an LGBT comedy. The movie opened August 25th in select cities, including an exclusive screening at Chicago's Alamo Drafthouse Theater. Now available to all audiences, the film is scoring rave reviews from across the board.

The film follows best friends Josie (Edebiri) and PJ (Sennott) as two lesbians desperate to lose their virginities. Together, they start a fight club to help girls (including their cheerleader crushes) defend themselves against the zany men at school.

First and foremost, Bottoms is hysterically funny. This is Superbad from the queer female perspective. Everything is taken to the extreme, which not only causes audiences jaws to drop, but also to cry from laughing. Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott's writing is exactly what we need in a Gen-Z comedy; absurdity and relatability. Josie's awkwardness paired with PJ's unfaltering (it almost appears fake) confidence is the basis of every teenage girl who has ever lived.

The performances given by the cast, especially its stars Edebiri and Sennott, including football star Marshawn Lynch, are genuine and fulfilling to watch. No matter how big or small the role, each cast member pulls their weight in creating a memorable group of characters.

All in all, this is a film worth seeing in theaters. If you want to make the most of your experience, I'd recommend bringing a group of friends, sitting in the back with Icees and popcorn, and laughing, gasping, cheering, and booing through the entirety of this killer comedy.

Cozy Movies for Chilly Weather

Looking for a cozy night in? Olivia’s put together a list of her favorite movies to snuggle up with when the nights get chilly.

Cozy Movies Article
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Cozy Movies for Chilly Weather

by Olivia Haas | Winter 2023

The first days of winter are just around the corner, which means movie nights cozied up on the couch are about to be in full swing. Here's a list of some of our favorite watches for the time of year. Sit back, relax, and enjoy with your favorite warm beverage and coziest blanket.

Little Women (2019)
While it takes place across all seasons, there's a special emphasis on holidays in Little Women. Candlelit tables, snowy days, and the bonds of sisterhood are sure to keep your heart warm.
Hugo (2011)
An underrated gem! Scorsese's adaptation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a beautiful sight with its glowing street lamps and a gorgeous train station.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Lost love on a beautiful and blustery cliffside- what more could you ask for? Portrait of a Lady on Fire might not be the best group watch, but solo or with a friend you'll be in for the night.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Let the weird world of Tim Burton and the charms of Winona Ryder wash over you. Snowy mountains and ice skating keep things festive and light.
Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
With its soft color palette and scenic setting, Grand Budapest Hotel is a perfect watch for the changing season!
The Daytrippers (1996)
Thanksgiving may be over, but this family dramedy remains festive afterwards. Taking place over the course of a singular day (hence the title), a family's Thanksgiving road trip gives way to all kinds of antics.
Carol (2015)
Todd Haynes adapts Patricia Highsmith's modern classic The Price of Salt with style and grace. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are an incredibly charming pair, and the fur coats are to die for.

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